The Game Changer Award was presented for the ninth time to “Revolutionaries of the German economy” Bain & Company and Manager Magazin honored those German-based companies that have made disruptive change a central component of their business model with the award, which is presented in three categories. The "Rising Star" award was also presented as a special prize for a young and ambitious company.
“Innovation, disruption, sustainability and success – these criteria not only form the basis of the Game Changer Award, but also distinguish our award winners,”
explains Bain Germany boss and jury member Walter SinnHowever, their success is not a given:
“Especially in times of stagnating economic prospects, Germany needs the ability and courage to innovate, but also the strength and a committed workforce to implement them.”
Konux wins the “Operations of the Future” category
The Munich startup Konux combines machine learning and IIoT to create software-as-a-service solutions for the operation, monitoring, and automation of maintenance processes. The company focuses on rail transport. By increasing capacity, reliability, and cost efficiency, Konux aims to strengthen rail as a mobility option. The combination of software and hardware contributes significantly to the transformation of rail operations and supports a sustainable future, the jury stated in its statement.
In this regard, Konux is collaborating with Deutsche Bahn, among others. At the end of 2020, the two companies signed a long-term framework agreement. The initial goal of the collaboration was the digitization of 650 switches and their predictive maintenance. Two years later, Deutsche Bahn certified the Konux Switch solution as having the so-called "verification" and thus a prediction accuracy of almost 90 percent.
Johanna Leisch, Managing Director and CHRO of Konux, says:
“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, and we look forward to continuing to drive innovation in the rail industry.”
Air Up awarded as “Rising Star”
The special “Rising Star” award was given to Air Up The company produces a reusable drinking system that flavors water through scent. Through the transport of scents and what is known as retronasal olfaction, a taste impression is created that is actually just scent. Air Up combines the desire for carefree enjoyment with the health benefits of pure water, according to the jury.
Air Up developed its first prototype in 2016 and was founded in 2019. In just three years, the Munich-based scaleup has grown into an internationally operating company with over 300 employees and millions of customers in eleven countries. Air Up has been profitable since 2020, and in 2022, revenue reached €159 million, as co-founder Lena Jüngst revealed in an interview with Munich Startup.
About the award says Lena Jüngst:
"I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved as a team. To celebrate an award like this, we didn't choose the easy path, but rather the unpaved road with many bumps. Embracing it requires courage, perseverance, and a certain sense of adventure."
Konux and Air Up are not the first Munich-based startups to receive the Game Changer Award. In the past, Munich-based unicorns Celonis, Flixbus and Personio claim the trophy for themselves.
